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Cough, Chest & Breathing Problems
Welcome to Cough, Chest & Breathing Problems. This section provides guidance from our clinicians about common breathing symptoms such as coughs, chest infections, asthma and COPD.
The guides below explain how to manage many chest problems safely at home, how long-term respiratory conditions (for example, asthma and COPD) are monitored and treated, and the warning signs that mean you should contact the practice or seek urgent help.
Select a topic below to learn more.
Understanding Chest Infections and Antibiotics
Learn why most chest infections do not need antibiotics and when they may still be appropriate.
Treating Chest Infections at Home
Practical advice on managing symptoms, supporting recovery and staying comfortable while you get better.
Chest Infections: Signs to Watch For
Important warning signs that may mean your illness needs further medical assessment.
Understanding Asthma
Learn what asthma is, the main symptoms to look out for, common risk factors, and when to discuss symptoms with a clinician.
Asthma Diagnosis: Connecting the Dots
How asthma is diagnosed and why symptoms, tests and history all play a role.
Updating Asthma Care: The "2-in-1" Approach
How modern inhaler strategies combine relief and prevention to improve asthma control.
Asthma Attack: Emergency Safety Plans
What to do if asthma symptoms suddenly worsen and when to seek urgent help.
Asthma Triggers: Managing Your "Sparks"
Identify common asthma triggers and learn practical ways to reduce flare-ups.
Your Annual Asthma Review
Why regular asthma reviews are important and what happens during your appointment.
Winter-Proofing Your Asthma: 3 Steps to Stay Well
Simple steps to help reduce asthma flare-ups during the winter months.
Understanding What Causes a Cough
Learn about common causes of coughs, including viral infections, asthma, reflux, postnasal drip and COPD.
Treating a Cough at Home
Practical advice on soothing a cough, supporting recovery and knowing how long symptoms can normally last.
When to Worry About a Cough: Red Flag Symptoms
Important warning signs that may mean your cough needs medical advice, urgent help or emergency care.
The 8-Week Rule: Understanding Chronic Coughs
Find out why a cough lasting more than 8 weeks may need professional assessment and investigation.
Your Cough Appointment: What to Expect
What happens during a cough appointment, including the questions we may ask and the checks we may carry out.
Understanding COPD
Learn what COPD is, why it causes breathing difficulties, the main symptoms to watch for and how treatment can help you manage the condition.
COPD Inhalers
Understand the different types of COPD inhalers, when to use them and why good inhaler technique is important.
Living Well with COPD: Building Your Toolkit
Find out how pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccinations and other support can help you manage symptoms and stay well.
Nutrition for COPD
Practical advice on eating well with COPD, maintaining strength and managing the extra energy demands of breathing.
COPD & Smoking
Learn why stopping smoking is the most important step to slow COPD progression and where to find support.
Your Annual COPD Review
Why regular COPD reviews are important, what checks may be carried out and how your self-management plan is updated.
Winter-Proofing Your Lungs: 3 Steps to Stay Well
Simple steps to help reduce COPD flare-ups during winter, including vaccinations, inhaler checks and knowing your flare-up plan.
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107